Searched the FORUM and didn't find what I was looking for.
Has anyone found a radiator support rod that only screws into the radiator jut a couple of threads before the hood will no longer fit?
Our 23 Runabout is like that and it stripped the threads out of the radiator (new from Brassworks 6 years ago).
I've re-tapped the threads but it is only a matter of time before I'll have to heli-coil it.
John
If I'm understanding your problem right, then I had the same thing. Essentially the rod needs to be a little longer.
The way I solved it was to countersink the other end of the rod at the firewall just slightly. I think it was about 1/8". Gave me enough threads to screw the rod into the radiator without a problem.
Unless there's someone out there selling slightly longer rods, that's your best answer. The only other option is to cut the rod and weld in a section, or ... perhaps weld the shank of a bolt onto the end of the rod.
I made my own rod so I got lenght right. Used a die and cut the threads.
I am struggling with a rod for a 26 Fordor. The usual 23 5/8 rod is at least one inch short! Does this improved body still use the longer early rod? Seems this may be since it still is the wood body, not the fully improved all steel body.
The Parts and Price Lists call for a 20 3/4" length for radiator rods to 1925.
The one at the top is for an early '23, wood firewall 20 3/4" as it has more threads at the bolt end to mount to the thick wood firewall.
The next two are 19 1/2' for the Improved Car. The lower one is repro Improved Car 19 1/2".
Don't know the length on the Improved Car Fordor, that would seem to be longer for the flat firewall to the radiator, as the open cars have the big cowl with gas tank, and the bracket for the rod is placed forward of that cowl.
Then I'm apparently not the only one with this dilemma!
Thought I'd just make one from stock.
Bud,
Exactly... it needs to be longer.
My improved car's support is about 1/2" too short.